Process and apparatus for treating fabrics



A. WILLHEIM PROCESS AND APPARATUS'FOR TRBATING FABRICS Filed nay 18.1927 z sheets-sheet. 1

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- x f u ATTORNEY Aug. 28, 1928.

A. WILLHEIM PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING FABRICS Filed May 18.1927 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVEN TOR ATTORNEY Patented Aug. 28, 1928.

UNITED STATES ARPA!) WILLHEIM, F PASSlAIC, NEW JERSEY.

PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOB TBEATING FABRICS.

Application med may 1s, wir. serial no. 192,233.

` My invention relates particularly to a process and apparatus by meansof which fabrics may be subjected to any desired treatment, as,

for example, in degumming, bleaching or dyein The object of my invention1s to provi e a process and apparatus by means of which the treatment offabrics may be advantageously carried out especlally in the process ofdegummin bleaching or dyeing fabrics. A further o ject of my inventionis to subject the fabric tothe treatment while forming the fabric intorope form, thus givinU the fabric a maximum of agitation while submergedin the liquor and while continuously passing through the same withoutsub jecting the same to undue tension and without the chafing or rubbingof the goods, so as thus to very much accelerate the treatment andeconomize in the quantity of the liquor needed for the treatment. Afurther object is to provide an apparatus with which this can beattained by providing reels which have laterally conveylng means thereonso as to continuously move the fabric into a rope form. Further objectsof my invention will appear from the detailed description of the samehereinafter.

While my invention is capable of embodiment 1n many different forms, forthe purpose of illustration I have shown certain forms of my inventionin the accompanying drawings, in which- Figure 1 is a vertical sectionthrough an apparatus which may be used in carrying out my invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of one of the reels carried therein; i

Figure 3 is a plan view of one of the reels;

Figure 4 is an end view of the same;

Figure 5 is a plan view of the entire apparatus;

Figure 6 is a plan view of a modified form of the apparatus; and

Figure 7 is a section through one of the chains with its supportingguideway.

In the drawings, I have shown an apparatus which ma be used for anydesired treatment of fabrlcs, but which may be used, for example, indegumming silks, comprising a series of vats 1, 2 and 3, provided withsteam heating coils 3", 3P and 3, having partitions 4 and 5 between thesame. The vats are provided, respectively, with valved draw-off pipes 6,7 and 8 for enabling any liquor, as, for example, olive oil soapsolution, or any other suitable material, such as alkali, etc., used indegumming silk, which has been used in the process, to be drawn offtherefrom, if desired. The liquor used in the treatment is conveyedcontinuously into the apparatus by means of a valved inlet pipe 9 andthe liquor passes progressively through the series of vats by passingthrough connecting passageways 10 and 11 having hand-operated valves 12and 13, respectively, located in the partitions 5 and 4. Thehand-operated valves 12 and 13 are positioned so as to be readilyoperable from the outside of the vats by projecting through the sides ofthe same. The spent liquor continuously passes out of the vat l througha valvcd pipe 14. The silk or other fabric to be treated, as, forexample, in the degumming operation, is fed in the form of a web 15through a pair of rollers 16 and 17 supported above the vat 1 and whichmay be driven, if desired, from any suitable source of power at thedesired speed. The web 15 passes around a succession of submerged idlerrolls 18, 19, 20 and 21 in the vat 1 and thence through a ring 22 whichis, also, submerged therein. From the ring 22 the fabric passes over areel 23 located in the vat 1,1"the reel 23 being so constructed as togive the fabric a lateral movement while being moved forward, due to thelaterally-conveying means for thefabric provided on the reel, For thispurpose, the reel is constructed flll with a shaft 24 supported in anysuitable bearings in the vat 1, and having a driving gear 25 located onthe outside of the vat adapted to be driven from any suitable source ofpower. At the other end of the shaft there is provided a sleeve 26 whichis adapted to be rotated at any desired speed and direction relative tosaid shaft 24, the said sleeve having a gear 27 thereon which may bedriv- 9 en from any suitable source of power. At its inner endthe sleeve26 has a gear 28 secured thereto which is submerged in the liquor andwhich is arranged to drive a number of planetary beveled gears 29, 30,31 and 32, carried on a tight collar 33 located on the outside of theshaft 24. The gears 29, 30, 31 and 32 drive, respectively, sprocketwheels 34, 35, 36 and 37 over which flexible conveyors or chains 38, 39,40 and 41 are adapted to pass. The flexible conveyor 38 also passes oversprocket wheels 42 and 43 carried by a f-me 44 supported by spiders 45and 46 supported from the main shaft 24. It will also be noted that thesaid chain 38, at the point located between the s rockets 42 and 43, issupported in a straig 1t line by means of a channel member 47 which isconnected to the spiders 45 and 46. The other chains 39, 40 and 41 aresupported in the same manner by sprockets 48, 49, 50, 51, 52 and 53,guideways 54, 55 and 56 being provided to support these chains in thesame manner as thc chain 38 is supported by the guideway 47. Theseguides 47, 54, 55 and 56 may be located parallel to the axis of thewheel, as shown in Figure 5, but may. if desired, be tapered in form asshown in Figure 6, in order to take care of any shrinkage which mightoccur in the fabric in the process of treatment, and due to theprogressive winding of the fabric into rope form. From the reel 23 thefabric passes out of the vat 1 through a pair of rollersv 5T and 58which may or may not be driven from any desired source of power, andthence the fabric passes over a reel 59 in the vat 2 constructed in thesame manner as the reel 23. but which may have its tapered end as shownin Figure 6, located in the opposite position. From this point thefabric leaves the reel 59 and passes over rollers 60 and 61, which maybe driven from any suitable source of power, andV thence to a reel 62located in the vat 3, which is constructed like the other reelspreviously1 described, but with the tapered end opposite to the reel 59in the form of the invention shown in Figure 6. From the reel 62 thefabric passes out through rollers 63 and G4. which may be driven, also,from any suitable source of power, if desired, and thence finally overan idler roll 65 from which the fabric may be delivered and subjected toany further operation that is desired.

In the operation ofmy invention it Will be understood that the sheet offabric of any desired kind, as, for example, silk, passes into the vat 1where it is softened by the liquor therein, and thence passes on to thereel'23 Where the fabric is not only fed forwardly by the rotation ofthe reel, but is given a lateral movement so as to cause the fabric tobe Wound in rope-like form spirally around the reel. In the fabricswhere shrinkage takes place duc to the treatment, the reel may betapered, as shown in Figure 6. In this Way the fabric is given a maximumamount of contact with the liquor in the vat 1 and finally passes out ofthe same into the vat 2, Where it is subjected tothe liquor therein in asimilar manner and fed laterally to the other end of the vat where it isconveyed out of the same to the vat 3 and given a similar treatmenttherein so that the fabric finally passes out over the idler roll 65 fordvemg or any other treatment desired. The fabric is thus subjected tothe liquor of increasing strength as the latter passes in countercurrentdirection to the direction of feed of the fabric through the series ofvats. However, one vat may be used for a plurality' of the reels. lVhilein the above described apparatus `sprocket chains have been mentioned itis,

of course, understood that any other kind of conveyin means may be used,if desired. Also, it will be understood, of course, that the variousparts of the apparatus may be driven at any desired relative speedssuitable to the particular fabric and suitable to the treatment toWhiclrit is being subjected so as to maintain just the proper amount oftension thereon. Also, it will be understood that the fabric may besubjected to any other preliminary treatment ust before it is conveyedinto the apparatus above described, for treatment therein.

Again, it will be realized that this process and apparatus may beapplied to the bleaching or dyeing of the fabric. In bleaching,lr anydesired bleaching agent may be introduced into the vats. for example,peroxide of hydrogen and silicate of soda, or lime, or chlorine, etc.Furthermore, in using the process in connection with dyeing it will befound especially applicable to dyeing with vat colors or aniline colors.

lVhile I have described my invention above in detail I Wish it to beunderstood that many changes may be made therein Without departing fromthe spirit of the same.

I claim:

1. The process which comprises subjecting a fabric to treatment by afluid while feeding the fabric in rope form spirally through the samewhile giving the fabric a movement laterally and at right anglesto theaxis of the spiral relative to the Huid.

2. The process which comprises subjecting a fabric to treatment by adegumming liquor. While feeding the fabric in rope form spirally throughthe same While giving thefabric a movement laterally and at right anglesto the axis of the spiral relative to the liquor.

3. The process which comprises subjecting a fabric to treatment by afluid While feeding the fabric in rope form spirally through the same,and thence in a similar manner through a succeeding body of fluid in theopposite direction laterally While giving the fabric a movementlaterally and at right angles to the axis of the spiral relative to thefluid.

4. The process which comprises subjecting a fabric to treatment by ladegumming liquor while feeding the fabric in rope form spirally throughthe same, and thence in a similar manner through a succeeding body ofdegumming liquor in the opposte direction laterally while giving thefabric a movement laterally and at right angles to the axis of thespiral relative to the liquor.

5. The process which com rises subjecting a fabric to treatment by a uidwhile feeding the fabric in rope form spirally in a curve till of adecreasing radins through the same.

6. The process which comprises subjecting a fabric to treatment by adegumming liquor While feeding the fabric in rope form spirally in acurve of a decreasing radius through the same.

7. The process which comprises sub'ecting a fabric to treatment by afluid while ceding the fabric in rope form spirally in a curve of adecreasing radius through the same, and thence in a similar mannerthrougha succeed ing body of fluid in the opposite direction laterally.

8. The process which comprises subjecting a fabric to treatment by adegumming liquor while feeding the fabric in rope form spirally in acurve of a decreasing radius through the same, and thence in a similarmanner through a succeeding body of degumnjng liquor in the oppositedirection latera y.

9. The process which comprises subjecting a fabric to treatment by afluid while feeding the fabric over a series of idlers, thence through aring, in rope form spirally in a curve of a decreasing radius throughthe same, and thence in a similar manner through a succeeding body offluid in the opposite direction laterally, the fluid being fed incountercurrent to the direction of movement of the fabric.

10. The process which comprises subjecting a fabric to treatmentby adegumming liquor While feeding the fabric over a series of idlers,thence through a ring, in rope form spirally in a curve of a decreasingradius tirough the same, and thence in a similar manner through asucceeding body of degummin li ucr in the opposite direction laterally,t e egiimming liquor being fed in countercurrent to the direction ofmovement of the fabric.

11. An apparatus for supporting a fabric during treatment, comprising arotatable reel having means therein for moving the fabric laterallyafter having been received on the reel.

12. An apparatus for supporting a fabric during treatment, comprising arotatable reel having means therein for moving the fabric laterallyafter having been received on the reel, comprising a laterally movingconveyor.

13. An apparatus for supporting a fabric during treatment, comprising arotatable reel having means therein for moving thefabric laterallyYafter having been received on the reel, comprising a laterally movingchain.

14. An apparatus for supporting a fabric during treatment, comprising arotatable reel having means therein for moving the fabric laterallyafter having been received on` the reel, comprising a laterally movingchain having a supporting channel member.

15. An apparatus for supporting a fabric duringtratment, comprising arotatable reel having a plurality of means peripherally arranged thereinfor moving the fabric laterally after having been received on the reel.

16. An apparatus for supporting a fabric during treatment, comprising arotatable reel having a plurality of means periphcrally arranged thereinfor moving the abric laterally after having been received on the reel,comprising a laterally moving conveyor.

17. An apparatus for sup orting a fabric during treatment, comprising arotatable reel having a plurality of means peripherally arranged thereinfor moving the fabric laterally after having been received on the reel,comprising laterally moving chains.

y18. An apparatus for supporting a fabric during treatment, comprising arotatable reel having a plurality of means peripherally arranged thcrcinfor moving the fabric laterally after having been received on the rcel,comprising laterally moving chains having a supporting channel member.

19. An apparatus for supporting a fabric during treatment, comprising arotatable reel having a plurality of means peri herally arranged thereinfor moving the abric laterally after having been received on the reel`comprising laterally moving conveyers, said conveying means having theirends arranged to approach one another in the direction of movementthereof.

20. An apparatus for supporting a fabric during treatment, comprising arotatable rcel having a plurality of means eri herally arranged thereinfor moving tie abrio laterallyafter having been received on the reel,comprising laterally moving chains, said means having their endsarranged to approach one another in the direction of movement thereof. i

21. An apparatus for supporting a fabric during treatment, comprising arotatable reel having a plurality of means peri herally arranged thereinfor moving the abric laterally after having been received on the reel,comprising laterally movin" chains having a. supporting channel member,said means having their ends arranged to approach one another in thedirection of movement thereof.

22. In combination, a plurality of vats having located forcountercurrent treatment therein in each of said vats an apparatus forsupporting a fabric durinfr treatment, comprising a rotatable reelhaving a plurality of means peripherally arranged therein for moving thefabric laterally after having been received on the reel.

23. In combination, a plurality of vats having located forcountercurrent treatment therein in each of said vats an apparatus forsupporting a fabric during treatment, comprising a rotatable reel havinga lurality of means peri herally arranged t ierein for moving the abriolaterally after having been received on the reel, comprising a laterallymoving conveyor.

2l. In combination, a plurali-ty of vats having located forcountercurrent treatment therein in each of said vats an apparatus forsupporting a fabric during treatment, comprising a rotatable reel havinga plurality of meansl peripherally arranged therein for moving thefabric laterally after haring been received on the rcel, comprisinglaterally moving chains.

2. ln combination, a plurality of vats having located for Countercurrenttreatment therein in each ol said rats an apparatus for supporting afabric during treatment, comprisiup a rotatable rcel having a pluralityof means peripherally arranged therein for moving thc fabric laterallyafter having been Ircceired on the reel, comprising laterally movingchains having a supporting channel 1 member.

`therein in each of said rats an apparatus for supporting a fabricduring treatment, com- 2T. Ineombinatioma plurality of vats havinglocated for countcrcurrent treatment therein in each of said rats anapparatus for supporting a fabric during treatment, comprising arotatable reel having a plurality' of means peripherally arrangedtherein for moving the fabric laterally after having been received onthe reel, comprising laterally moving chains having a supporting channelmember, the first of said rats having a plurality of idlers and a rin'gthrough which the fabric is adapted to pass before being received bythereel therein.

In testimony that l claim the foregoing, I have hereunto set my handthis 28th day of April, 1927.

ARPAD WILLHEIM.

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION.

Patent No. l, 682, 453.

Granted August 28, 1928, to

ARPAD WILLHEIM.

lt is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specificationof the above numbered patent 'requiring correction as follows:

Page 2, line 66, after the Yord "However," insert the words "it is to beunderstood that, if desired, onlyl page 3, l1ne`66, claim 15, for themisspeliedword "trajtment" read "treatmenf and' that the said LettersPatent should be read with these corrections therein that the same mayconform to the record Aof the'ease in the Patent Office.

Signed and sealed this 2nd'day `oi October, A. D. 1928'.

(Seal) M. J. Moore'.

Acting Commissioner of Patents.

received on the reel, comprising a laterally moving conveyor.

2l. In combination, a plurali-ty of vats having located forcountercurrent treatment therein in each of said vats an apparatus forsupporting a fabric during treatment, comprising a rotatable reel havinga plurality of meansl peripherally arranged therein for moving thefabric laterally after haring been received on the rcel, comprisinglaterally moving chains.

2. ln combination, a plurality of vats having located for Countercurrenttreatment therein in each ol said rats an apparatus for supporting afabric during treatment, comprisiup a rotatable rcel having a pluralityof means peripherally arranged therein for moving thc fabric laterallyafter having been Ircceired on the reel, comprising laterally movingchains having a supporting channel 1 member.

`therein in each of said rats an apparatus for supporting a fabricduring treatment, comprising a rotatable reel having a plurality ofmeans peripherally arranged therein for nioring the fabric laterallyafter having been received on the reel, comprising laterally movingchains, the first of said vats haring a plurality of irllcrs and a ringthrough which the fabric is adapted to pass before being recercd by thereel therein.

2T. Ineombinatioma plurality of vats hav- April, 1927.

ARPAD WILLHEIM.

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION.

Patent No. l, 682, 453.

Granted August 28, 1928, to

ARPAD WILLHEIM.

lt is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specificationof the above numbered patent 'requiring correction as follows:

Page 2, line 66, after the Yord "However," insert the words "it is to beunderstood that, if desired, onlyl page 3, l1ne`66, claim 15, for themisspeliedword "trajtment" read "treatmenf and' that the said LettersPatent should be read with these corrections therein that the same mayconform to the record Aof the'ease in the Patent Office.

Signed and sealed this 2nd'day `oi October, A. D. 1928'.

(Seal) M. J. Moore'.

Acting Commissioner of Patents.

